My brother and I slipped out of the bed. We grabbed our 1 and put on our shoes. Without heaters in our old home, wearing coats inside was as 2 as wearing shirts in summer.
But this morning was 3; it was Christmas. No Christmas tree, no 4 in our home. But following the 5, we were promised to find one present on the top of the shoes. Some years, we would find 6 but new underwear, and other years we would find new socks. The gift itself wasn't our 7, but the brand new feeling made us scream with 8.
And then one special Christmas, I lifted the package 9 on shoes. I tore it, holding my breath and I found there was a doll with large brown eyes 10 me. I grabbed it from the box and held the 11 against my chest. 12 it smelled of plastic, it sent a wave of pleasure through me.
Those days flickered(闪烁) with memories of the 13 and easy life. It was a life 14 material possessions, 15 one rich with appreciation for small things. Later as I 16 in America, life changed. We lived a rich life and life became easier. Gifts 17 more and their purchase became urgent. 18, our wants turned into boring needs. Sadly, what we 19 as children was now painted in a sorrowful scene. Although weather changes and seasons offer variety, we can 20 change by taking a step back to the simple life.
